Heart attack can happen to anyone - man or woman - and, according to the American Heart Association, a heart attack strikes someone every 34 seconds. Though heart attacks may not be as common in women as in men, heart disease is the No.1 cause of death in women and unless one watches out for the heart attack symptoms in women and helps them get medical attention, consequences can be deadly.
A new report claims that over 38,000 women under the age of 50 suffer from heart attacks each year in the United States. It's a huge number, but one must be aware that heart problems can be confused with several other issues. Because of this, it's highly recommended to know heart attack symptoms in women to help better prepare yourself before it's too late.
Have a look at our list of top seven heart attack warning signs women should never ignore.
Jaw Pain
During a heart attack, some people may experience pain in the jaw. This is because the nerves attached to the jaw are linked to the same ones that come from the heart. If the pain pops up every now and then, and gets even worse when you're active, it is likely to be heart related. However, if the pain is constant, chances are it's related to pain in the tooth or gums.
Burning or discomfort in the chest
This is one of the most popular signs of an impending heart attack. The chest begins to feel heavy, or there might even be a squeezing sensation along with the feeling of pressure being placed down on the area. In some instances, this is caused by indigestion, or in other words, gas. Furthermore, the cause could even come from heartburn. However, one can never be too cautious and visiting a cardiac specialist is recommended to make sure it is not caused by a serious complication of the heart. Additionally, if you're experiencing nausea, then all the more reason to visit your doctor.
Shortness of breath
Another common sign of heart attack is shortness of breath, or the feeling of the heart racing. In some cases, this can be seen as a panic attack, and sometimes it is even difficult to differentiate between the two. Women's heart attack tends to trigger shortness of breath that starts off slowly, and may linger for a while. A panic attack however, will only cause shortness of breath to last for up to 5 minutes. Still, one should visit a doctor to be absolutely certain.
Tingling in arms and legs
A tingling feeling in the arms and legs is not always the best way to tell if heart attack is on its way, but it can never be ruled out. In most circumstances, this feeling could be sign of arthritis, but it could also mean an impending heart attack.
Feeling dizzy
Feeling dizzy for no apparent reason could mean that enough blood is not being pumped throughout the body by the heart. This feeling is also linked with shortness of breath, so if you're feeling both, the signs are very clear of what could happen at any moment.
The feeling of extreme fatigue
Should you feel weak when walking, and need to stop and rest, then it could mean that enough blood is not being transported to the heart fast enough. This is a clear sign of an upcoming heart attack, and you should signal for help immediately.
Vomiting
An impending heart attack could lead to vomiting or nausea. It goes together with cold sweat and shortness of breath.
"Although men and women can experience chest pressure that feels like an elephant sitting across the chest, women can experience a heart attack without chest pressure," said Nieca Goldberg, M.D., medical director for the Joan H. Tisch Center for Women's Health at NYU's Langone Medical Center and an American Heart Association volunteer. "Instead they may experience shortness of breath, pressure or pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting, upper back pressure or extreme fatigue."
So remember, if you or anybody you know is experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms, please get medical help immediately.
